Lens assembly

ABSTRACT

A lens assembly provides an interchangeably removable frame and lens for a face mask for use in adjusting to a variety of different conditions that a user may encounter. The lens assembly beneficially provides a user with an option to interchangeably attach and detach a different lens to a face mask for a plurality of different conditions, including, but not limited to, a variety of weather conditions, a variety of eyesight accommodations, or a preferred design aesthetic. The lens assembly also beneficially provides for an easier and more efficient removal and replacement of the lens from the face mask, without a user having to remove the mask from the user&#39;s face.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

PRIORITY OF U.S. PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION Ser. No. 61/909,150, FILED Nov. 26, 2013, INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IS HEREBY CLAIMED.

STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

NONE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to a face mask lens assembly for use in outdoor activities, including, but not limited to, underwater diving, snorkeling, and snow skiing. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a replaceable lens apparatus for a face mask that can be quickly and efficiently changed to accommodate a variety of different conditions, including, but not limited to, weather, eyesight, aesthetics or design preference.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Generally, existing face masks lack the ability to adjust to a variety of different environmental conditions and/or visual needs of a user. A conventional face mask generally has a single, durable lens plate that is located directly in front of a user's eyes, with a substantially flexible casing (such as, for example, rubber, plastic, silicone, or any other similar material with like properties) that surrounds the lens plate and fits against a user's face. In most instances, the casing is designed to form a relatively tight seal against said user's face in order to prevent water, wind, or debris from entering the space between the lens plate and the user's eyes, and thus, affecting a user's vision.

Additionally, a conventional face mask lacks the ability to easily and efficiently adjust to a variety of different conditions and/or visual needs of a user. For example, if a user needs a particular prescription lens, conventional face masks typically require permanent alteration to accommodate said prescription lens. Also, if a user needs special color filtration lenses to obtain optimum clarity for various environmental (such as, for example, underwater or snow) conditions, a user will generally require several different masks, each having a different color filtration lens in order to accommodate said various conditions.

As a result, conventional face masks generally require users to possess and maintain a single mask with a specific lens and design, or multiple different masks in order to accommodate all possible eyesight needs, weather conditions and/or design preferences. Purchasing and maintaining multiple different masks can be relatively expensive and inconvenient and can result in difficulties if a user is unsure of potential environmental and weather conditions that he or she may encounter, particularly when traveling.

Certain conventional face mask devices do provide for interchangeable and/or replaceable lens attachments. However, said lens attachments are typically difficult to remove and replace, particularly during periods of actual use (such as, for example, while snow skiing or swimming underwater). In many cases, a user may be wearing ski gloves or other clothing/equipment that impedes hand dexterity and further complicates the lens attachment removal and replacement process.

Thus, there is a need for a face mask having a plurality of selectively removable and interchangeable lens assemblies, thereby accommodating a wide variety of possible eyesight needs, weather conditions and/or design preferences. The face mask should permit a user to quickly and efficiently remove and replace said lens assembly including, without limitation, while wearing gloves, hand wear and/or other equipment. Further, the removable and interchangeable lens assemblies should be capable of being retrofit to attach to and work with existing conventional face mask devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an interchangeable lens assembly that can selectively attach to a face mask, including, but not limited to, a diving mask or snow ski mask. Said attachable lens assembly can be easily and conveniently added to or removed from a supportive face mask without affecting any basic functionality of said face mask.

In a preferred embodiment, the lens assembly of the present invention comprises a lens frame that can hold and support a lens having desired properties. Said lens frame can be selectively and removably attached to a sub-frame which, in turn, is connected to a mask apparatus which can be worn by a user.

In a preferred embodiment, said lens frame of the present invention is removably fastened to said sub-frame using at least one depressable button assembly that selectively locks said lens frame (and any attached lens) into place against said sub-frame. Said at least one button assembly of said lens frame comprises a coiled spring that biases a locking projection in a generally outward direction to secure and lock said lens frame to said sub-frame. However, when said at least one button assembly is depressed, said locking projection becomes detached from said sub-frame, thereby permitting removal of said lens frame (and any lens installed therein) from said sub-frame; said lens frame can then be quickly and conveniently replaced with another lens frame holding a lens having desired characteristics.

It is to be observed that said sub-frame of the present invention can be integrally attached to a face mask. Alternatively, said sub-frame can be affixed to a conventional face mask apparatus; said sub-frame can then accommodate the removable lens frames of the present invention. In this manner, the interchangeable lens assemblies of the present invention can be retrofit to existing conventional face masks, thereby permitting the quick and efficient interchangeability of various lenses having desired characteristics.

The lens assembly of the present invention allows a user to selectively change lenses in various conditions, such as, for example, while under water, without losing a tight fit of a mask against the user's face during the removal or attachment process. In addition, the lens assembly of the present invention allows a user to remove and replace lenses without having to remove a mask from said user's face.

The lens assembly of the present invention allows for a plurality of removable and interchangeable lens assemblies, thereby permitting a user to selectively switch lenses to meet a wide variety of possible eyesight needs, weather conditions and/or design preferences. Further, said lens assembly of the present invention permits a user to quickly and efficiently remove and replace said lenses including, without limitation, while wearing gloves, hand wear and/or other equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The foregoing summary, as well as any detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings and figures contained herein. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings and figures show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed in such drawings or figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a side sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a locking assembly of the present invention in a locked position.

FIG. 2 depicts a side sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a locking assembly of the present invention in an unlocked position.

FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a lens frame and a sub-frame of the present invention in a disconnected configuration.

FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a lens frame and a sub-frame of the present invention in a connected configuration.

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a lens assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a lens frame and a sub-frame of the present invention in a disconnected configuration.

FIG. 7 depicts a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a lens, a lens frame and sub-frame of the present invention in a connected configuration.

FIG. 8 depicts an exploded side perspective view of an alternative embodiment lens assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a disconnected configuration.

FIG. 10 depicts a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a connected configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a side sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a locking assembly 50 of the present invention in a latched or locked position, while FIG. 2 depicts a side sectional view of said locking assembly 50 of the present invention in an unlatched or unlocked position.

FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a lens frame 10 and sub-frame 20 of the present invention in a disconnected configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, sub-frame 20 generally comprises a relatively similarly shaped configuration as lens frame 10, thereby permitting said sub-frame 20 to complementarily align and mate with lens frame 10 as more fully described herein.

Still referring to FIG. 3, latching mechanism or locking assembly 50 is mounted to a side of lens frame 10 through a beneficially positioned channel extending through said lens frame 10; although not visible in FIG. 3, an opposing locking assembly is similarly mounted to lens frame 10 on the opposite side of said lens frame 10 from locking assembly 50.

As depicted in FIG. 3, clasp member 22 is mounted to a side of sub-frame 20 at a corresponding position relative to locking assembly 50 on lens frame 10. In addition, although not visible in FIG. 3, it is to be observed that a clasp member is also mounted on the opposite side of sub-frame 20, in alignment with a locking member of lens frame 10. In this manner, a plurality of locking assemblies can be mounted to lens frame 10 in a corresponding relationship to a plurality of clasp members of sub-frame 20.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a lens frame 10 detachably connected to a sub-frame 20 of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 4, locking assemblies 50 of lens member 10 directly align and correspond with clasp members 22 of sub-frame 20. In addition, base 15, top 16, and sides 17 of lens frame 10 substantially align and cooperate with base 25, top 26, and sides 27 of sub-frame 20, thereby fastening together to form a cohesive, airtight and watertight unit.

Referring back, FIG. 1 depicts a side sectional view of a lens assembly 100 of the present invention generally comprising locking assembly 50 in a locked position within lens frame 10 and sub-frame 20. Locking assembly 50 generally comprises an outer button member 55, and an inner latch tab 53 that are connected via latch shaft 51 and latch extension member 52. Button member 55 is an outer feature of said locking assembly 50 that comprises a substantially trapezoidal-shaped configuration that provides a convenient and readily accessible surface for a user to apply pressure when latching and/or unlatching locking assembly 50. Said button member 55 can be manufactured from a rigid material, such as, for example, a molded plastic material, or any other substantially similar structural material exhibiting desired characteristics.

Latch shaft bore 14 extends into lens frame 10. Latch shaft 51 is slidably received within said latch shaft bore 14, and has lower latch extension 52. Latch tab 53 is disposed at the distal end of said lower latch extension, and is aligned with latch tab recess 23 having inner latch tab shoulder 24. Biasing compression spring is disposed around latch shaft 51, and is received within spring recess 13, generally below button member 55.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, when relaxed, spring 54 biases button member 55 in a substantially outward direction, generally away from lens frame 10. In this configuration, latch shaft 51 is forced generally outward within latch shaft bore 14, allowing latch tab 53 to be received within latch tab recess 23. In this configuration, said latch tab 53 acts against the surfaces of latch tab recess 23 (including, without limitation, latch tab shoulder 24). In this configuration, latch shaft 51, latch extension 52 and latch tab 53 cooperate to securely lock lens frame 10 against sub-frame 20.

FIG. 2 depicts a side sectional view of lens assembly 100 of the present invention generally comprising locking assembly 50 in an unlocked position relative to lens assembly 10 and sub-frame 20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, application of a predetermined axial force to button member 55—that is, in a substantially inward direction—causes biasing spring 54 to compress, thereby driving latch shaft 51 axially inward within latch shaft bore 14. In this configuration, latch tab 53 is removed from latch tab recess 23. With said latch tab 53 no longer acting against the surfaces of latch tab recess 23 (including, without limitation, latch tab shoulder 24), lens frame 10 is no longer secured to sub-frame 20 and, thus, said lens frame 10 can be easily separated from said sub-frame 20.

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded side view of a lens assembly 100 of the present invention comprising lens 1, lens frame 10, sub-frame 20, and a mask member 30. As depicted in FIG. 5, lens 1 comprises a substantially convex front surface 2 that has a slightly outward curvature from a user's eyes and face when lens assembly 100 is being worn. In addition, lens 1 further comprises a plurality of tabs 3 that can be received within tab recesses 12 of lens frame 10. Said cooperating tabs 3 and tab recesses 12 provide a means of attachment and connection points for said lens 1 to semi-permanently join and attach lens 1 to lens frame 10 of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, lens frame 10 generally comprises substantially curved base member 15, substantially curved top member 16, and substantially curved side members 17. Said base member 15 and top member 16 are oriented substantially parallel to each other, while said side members 17 are oriented substantially parallel to each other; said base member 15, top member 16 and side members 17 cooperate to form lens attachment frame defining inner opening 18. Said inner opening 18 comprises an orifice or aperture that, when worn, substantially surrounds a user's eyes, thereby allowing said user to visually see through lens assembly 100 of the present invention.

Lens frame 10 further beneficially comprises a plurality of slots 14 that correspond to the plurality of tabs 3 of lens 1 in a generally aligning orientation, thus allowing for a means of connection between said lens 1 and said lens frame 10. The plurality of outwardly-extending tabs 3 of lens 1 engage with corresponding slots 12 of lens frame 10, thereby securing lens 1 to lens frame 10 and creating a unified assembly.

Sub-frame 20 comprises a plurality of tabs 21 that are used as a means of attachment and connection points for said sub-frame 20 to semi-permanently join and attach to mask frame 30 of the present invention. The plurality of tabs 21 extend in a relatively outward direction from sub-frame 20, and can be received within tab recesses 32 of mask frame 30.

Although not depicted in FIG. 5, a strap member can be beneficially located and connected to a mounting surface of sides of mask 30 through at least one strap attachment aperture 33, in order to provide a means to secure the lens assembly 100 around a user's head.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a preferred embodiment of lens 1 semi-permanently connected to lens frame 10, while sub-frame 20 is semi-permanently connected to mask frame 30. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, generally only lens frame 10 and sub-frame 20 are able to detachably interlock using locking assembly 50. This allows a user to conveniently latch and lock lens frame 10 to sub-frame 20, while wearing mask frame 30 that is semi-permanently connected to sub-frame 20, and while wearing gloves, hand wear and/or other equipment in adverse weather conditions, as opposed to attempting to replace a single lens or an entire mask.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a preferred embodiment of a lens frame 10 connected to a sub-frame 20 of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 7, lens frame 10 directly aligns and cooperates with said sub-frame adaptor 20. When coupled together, lens frame 10 and sub-frame 20 interlock using locking assembly 50, thereby creating an airtight and watertight mask assembly.

FIG. 8 depicts an exploded side perspective view of an alternative embodiment lens assembly 200 of the present invention comprising lens 101, lens frame 110, sub-frame 120, and a mask member 130. As depicted in FIG. 8, lens 101 comprises a substantially convex front surface 102 that has a slightly outward curvature from a user's eyes and face when lens assembly 200 is being worn. In addition, lens 101 further comprises a plurality of tabs 103 that can be received within tab recesses 112 of lens frame 110. Said cooperating tabs 103 and tab recesses 112 provide a means of attachment and connection points for said lens 101 to semi-permanently join and attach lens 101 to lens frame 110 of the present invention.

In an alternative embodiment, lens frame 110 generally comprises substantially curved base member 115, substantially curved top member 116, and substantially curved side members 117. Said base member 115 and top member 116 are oriented substantially parallel to each other, while said side members 117 are oriented substantially parallel to each other; said base member 115, top member 116 and side members 117 cooperate to form lens attachment frame defining inner opening 118. Said inner opening 118 comprises an orifice or aperture that, when worn, substantially surrounds a user's eyes, thereby allowing said user to visually see through lens assembly 200 of the present invention.

Lens frame 110 further beneficially comprises a plurality of slots 112 that correspond to the plurality of tabs 103 of lens 101 in a generally aligning orientation, thus allowing for a means of connection between said lens 101 and said lens frame 110. The plurality of outwardly-extending tabs 103 of lens 101 engage with corresponding slots 112 of lens frame 110, thereby securing lens 101 to lens frame 110 and creating a unified assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 8, locking assembly 150 is mounted to a side of lens frame 110 through a beneficially positioned channel extending through said lens frame 110; although not visible in FIG. 8, an opposing locking assembly is similarly mounted to lens frame 110 on the opposite side of said lens frame 110 from locking assembly 150. Additionally, locking assembly 150 generally comprises an outer button member 155, and an inner latch tab 153 that are connected via a latch shaft and latch extension member.

Sub-frame 120 generally comprises a substantially curved base member 125, a substantially curved top member 126, and substantially curved side members 127 that substantially align and cooperate with base 115, top 116, and sides 117 of lens frame 110. In addition, sub-frame 120 comprises a plurality of tabs 121 that are used as a means of attachment and connection points for said sub-frame 120 to semi-permanently join and attach to mask frame 130 of the present invention. The plurality of tabs 121 extend in a relatively outward direction from sub-frame 120, and can be received within tab recesses 132 of mask frame 130.

Still referring to FIG. 8, sub-frame 120 comprises clasp member 122 that is mounted to a side of sub-frame 120 at a corresponding position relative to locking assembly 150 on lens frame 110. In addition, although not visible in FIG. 8, it is to be observed that a clasp member is also mounted on the opposite side of sub-frame 120, in alignment with a locking member of lens frame 110. In this manner, a plurality of locking assemblies can be mounted to lens frame 110 in a corresponding relationship to a plurality of clasp members of sub-frame 120.

Although not depicted in FIG. 8, a strap member can be beneficially located and connected to a mounting surface of sides of mask 130 through at least one strap attachment aperture 133, in order to provide a means to secure the lens assembly 100 around a user's head.

Still referring to FIG. 8, in an alternative embodiment, it is to be observed that sub-frame 120 can be affixed to a conventional face mask apparatus 130; sub-frame 120 can then accommodate removable lens frame 110 of the present invention. Thus, interchangeable lens assembly 200 of the present invention can be retrofit to existing conventional face mask 130, thereby permitting the quick and efficient interchangeability of various lenses having desired characteristics.

In an alternative embodiment, an insertion of lens frame 110 and sub-frame 120 allow a user to easily interchange lens 101 to conventional face mask 130, depending on the user's particular conditions and needs. Conventionally, although not depicted in FIG. 8, a lens 101 would be attached directly to a mask 130, and thus would require a user to substitute an entire mask assembly if the environmental conditions required said substitution. Thus, by being able to retrofit lens assembly 200 to existing conventional face mask 130, the insertion of lens frame 110 and sub-frame 120 beneficially allow a user to easily exchange a different lens to said conventional mask 130, without having to remove mask 130 or a user's gloves or other hand wear. Thus, an alternative embodiment of the present invention allows a user to receive the same benefits of the present invention on a prior existing face mask, even though said existing face mask was not initially designed for use with the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of lens 101 semi-permanently connected to lens frame 110, and that is disconnected from a sub-frame 120. As shown in FIG. 9, sub-frame 120 can be retrofit to existing mask 130. Lens frame 110 with lens 101 is able to directly align and easily interlock to sub-frame 120 via locking assembly 150. This allows a user to conveniently latch and lock lens frame 110 to sub-frame 120 on an existing conventional face mask 130, while wearing mask frame 130 and while wearing gloves, hand wear and/or other equipment.

FIG. 10 depicts a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of lens frame 110 connected to sub-frame 120 of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 10, sub-frame 120 is retrofit to mask frame 130, and lens frame 110 directly aligns and cooperates with sub-frame adaptor 120, thereby creating lens assembly 200 by way of a conventional face mask. When coupled together, lens frame 110 and sub-frame 120 interlock using locking assembly 150, thereby creating an airtight and watertight mask assembly.

The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. An interchangeable lens assembly for a face mask comprising: a. a mask adapted to be worn over a face; b. a lens frame removably attached to said mask; and c. a lens disposed in said lens frame.
 2. The interchangeable lens assembly of claim 1, further comprising a latching mechanism adapted to removably attach said lens frame to said mask.
 3. The interchangeable lens assembly of claim 2, wherein said latching mechanism further comprises: a. a shaft member having a distal end and a proximate end, wherein said latch shaft is slidably disposed in a bore extending through said lens frame; b. a locking tab disposed at said distal end of said shaft member; c. a clasp member defining a recess in said mask for receiving said locking tab; and d. a spring for biasing said locking tab in said recess of said clasp member.
 4. The interchangeable lens assembly of claim 3, further comprising a button member disposed at said proximate end of said shaft member.
 5. The interchangeable lens assembly of claim 4, wherein said spring is disposed between said button member and said lens frame.
 6. The interchangeable lens assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a. a second lens frame, removably attachable to said mask; and b. a second lens disposed in said second lens frame.
 7. An interchangeable lens assembly for a face mask comprising: a. a mask adapted to be worn over a face; b. a sub-frame attached to said mask; c. a lens frame removably attached to said sub-frame; and d. a lens disposed in said lens frame.
 8. The interchangeable lens assembly of claim 7, further comprising a latching mechanism adapted to removably attach said lens frame to said sub-frame.
 9. The interchangeable lens assembly of claim 8, wherein said latching mechanism further comprises: a. a shaft member having a distal end and a proximate end, wherein said latch shaft is slidably disposed in a bore extending through said lens frame; b. a locking tab disposed at said distal end of said shaft member; c. a clasp member defining a recess in said sub-frame for receiving said locking tab; and d. a spring for biasing said locking tab in said recess of said clasp member.
 10. The interchangeable lens assembly of claim 9, further comprising a button member disposed at said proximate end of said shaft member.
 11. The interchangeable lens assembly of claim 10, wherein said spring is disposed between said button member and said lens frame.
 12. The interchangeable lens assembly of claim 7, further comprising: a. a second lens frame, removably attachable to said sub-frame; and b. a second lens disposed in said second lens frame. 